My Favorite Part Of The Day
Harry is so eager to learn and absorb everything that he can. It is amazing how much he takes in and how quick he picks things up. You can't even mumble things anymore aroudn him. He hears you and questions you. I mentioned that we are having an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, he immediately wanted to talk about Hunter. He caught a glimpse of the George Mason game the other day and heard people in the background making "Dog sounds" (you know the ones) and pointed and said "Doggies!" Tonight we were reading Good Night, Moon and he pointed to the fire and said "Hot!" It was the board book version...the fire is itty bitty! I just love talking with him and explaining things and getting his opinion on topics. It is the greatest!
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
My explanation of the previous explanation:
In short.... These are the people who we as young parents are lumped in with.
Similar to the whole "generation X" crap coupled with "Kurt Cobain is the voice of my generation," this is a bunch of BS. To say that THIS is what today's thirtysomething's value in the workplace and in their life, as a vast broad swipe is crap.
However, this is what lots of people see as an explanation. And it's also what pisses off people like me, who consider ourselves relatively responsible with our decisions, values, and desires.
The way I look at it... It's the difference between people who long to stay young, versus those who will do what they can to keep from getting old.
Is it really the case that young 'adults' think that they have "...a real connection" with someone 10 years younger than them because they listen to the same music, wear the same clothes and watch the same TV?
Do these adults actually believe that even if they do meet all of these common criteria that said younger folks actually respect their elders because of it? I tend to agree with the line "... To me, that seems somewhat laughable."
Guess what folks... It does.
So these young 'adults' seem to think they have earned the respect of the younger generation by ceasing to let go of their t-shirts and jeans (now they just pay through the nose for them), but let's have a look-see at how the rest of the world (read: the people who sign their paychecks) think about all of this.
I couldn't agree more. Yet these are the same folks who Kim gets slammed for denouncing...
The aforementioned explanation was intended to shed some light on the fact that we're not the only ones who see our peer group (peer being relative age, not mindset or socio-economic) as a bunch of bleeding hearts.
Personally, I can't think of anyone else I'd prefer on that wall... I know that I need him on that wall. I would prefer to be able to speak about these things at dinner parties with all of my friends, rather than have some of them have to go over and defend my ability to do so, while some of those over here, remain and complain about how it's being done.
The Freedom of Information Act doesn't need to mean that anyone can find out anything they feel they need to know anytime they want, and then disseminate it any way they see fit. We're all on a need to know basis, and there's plenty we don't need to know.
But I digress.
Essentially what I was getting at, is that the people of my generation, who give others the ability to make sweeping judgments about me, based on a preference for $500 jeans, are a bunch of schmucks.
In short.... These are the people who we as young parents are lumped in with.
Similar to the whole "generation X" crap coupled with "Kurt Cobain is the voice of my generation," this is a bunch of BS. To say that THIS is what today's thirtysomething's value in the workplace and in their life, as a vast broad swipe is crap.
However, this is what lots of people see as an explanation. And it's also what pisses off people like me, who consider ourselves relatively responsible with our decisions, values, and desires.
The way I look at it... It's the difference between people who long to stay young, versus those who will do what they can to keep from getting old.
Is it really the case that young 'adults' think that they have "...a real connection" with someone 10 years younger than them because they listen to the same music, wear the same clothes and watch the same TV?
Do these adults actually believe that even if they do meet all of these common criteria that said younger folks actually respect their elders because of it? I tend to agree with the line "... To me, that seems somewhat laughable."
it's about a brave new world whose citizens are radically rethinking what it means to be a grown-up and whether being a grown-up still requires, you know, growing up.
Guess what folks... It does.
So these young 'adults' seem to think they have earned the respect of the younger generation by ceasing to let go of their t-shirts and jeans (now they just pay through the nose for them), but let's have a look-see at how the rest of the world (read: the people who sign their paychecks) think about all of this.
These are the people Jack Nicholson spoke of on the witness stand under ##### Tommy Cruise's questioning.
I couldn't agree more. Yet these are the same folks who Kim gets slammed for denouncing...
The aforementioned explanation was intended to shed some light on the fact that we're not the only ones who see our peer group (peer being relative age, not mindset or socio-economic) as a bunch of bleeding hearts.
Personally, I can't think of anyone else I'd prefer on that wall... I know that I need him on that wall. I would prefer to be able to speak about these things at dinner parties with all of my friends, rather than have some of them have to go over and defend my ability to do so, while some of those over here, remain and complain about how it's being done.
The Freedom of Information Act doesn't need to mean that anyone can find out anything they feel they need to know anytime they want, and then disseminate it any way they see fit. We're all on a need to know basis, and there's plenty we don't need to know.
But I digress.
Essentially what I was getting at, is that the people of my generation, who give others the ability to make sweeping judgments about me, based on a preference for $500 jeans, are a bunch of schmucks.
'Splains a lot...
Maybe not everything in the exact words I'd use, but certainly the gist of a lot of things:
Up With Grups
thanks to Dadcentric.com for the pointer
Maybe not everything in the exact words I'd use, but certainly the gist of a lot of things:
Up With Grups
thanks to Dadcentric.com for the pointer
Cheese.
I am having some issues at the moment. Warning: TMI >>>even though the Citrucel is working beautifully, I need to remind myself I am still lactose intolerant, i.e. I can not spend an entire day eating cheese, fondue or no fondue.
That being said, and the fact that I cannot sit fully upright, today seemed like a good day to skip yoga and open links in my inbox. Here's one now:
Top 10 Toys:
I am having some issues at the moment. Warning: TMI >>>even though the Citrucel is working beautifully, I need to remind myself I am still lactose intolerant, i.e. I can not spend an entire day eating cheese, fondue or no fondue.
That being said, and the fact that I cannot sit fully upright, today seemed like a good day to skip yoga and open links in my inbox. Here's one now:
Top 10 Toys:
| 1. | | Deluxe Cozy Convertible Car |
| 2. | | Baby Stella Doll |
| 3. | | Geometric Sorting Board |
| 4. | | TotSports Easy Score Basketball Set |
| 5. | | Little People Ramps Around Garage |
| 6. | | Swirlin' Sawdust Workshop |
| 7. | | Easy PC Play & Learn Keyboard |
| 8. | | Rockin' Puppy |
| 9. | | Phonics Radio |
| 10. | | Pathfinder Wagon As far as Age 2 appropriate toys go, we seem to be doing okay. 1. - have it, but not in convertible. The convertibles went bye for now. 2. - Baby Stella. No. We have Baby Ernie. Certain relatives may have a seizure if we buy another doll. Oh, and by the way, after the picture of Harry with Pom Poms, we had to re-boot the computer. Got slammed with too many death threats. Just wanted to make sure you were all still awake out there. 3.-shape board. Had it for over a year. Offers up a Tetris-like fondness. 4.- Basketball net shoudl arrive by August 22 from PopPop. PopPop has been reading up on Goldilock's Theory. He knows not to purchase too big or too small. 5.- Harry has similar items but this Little People Ramp looks pretty cool! Luckily I have no money and too much cheese insid eto go to Toys R Us. We'll wait on this one. 6.-Workbench. I'd been thinking about this. Harry borrows the real tools when he can. He likes to help Daddy. The kitchen has been very useful in that department. 7.-We totally need the PC! Especially if Harry ends up in a half day preschool. I woudl need to entertain him in the afternoon while I work. But that is further down the road. It seems the older kids may stay at Menike's for a while. She insists it is better than pre-school. Anyone have any thoughts on this? 8.-He's got a moose. 9.-Phonics radio also looks cool, and it would save my vocal cords. BTW, for those who asked if Harry likes me/Kevin to sing...he suddenly started to about two weeks ago. Must involve letters though. 10.-Oh, he's got the wagon, all right! He loves it! For teh record, it is not I who has purchased all of these products. Harry is not the reason for the black hole in my shoe closet. Ugh, the cheese is trying to escape again. Bye. |
Saturday, March 25, 2006
What a day, oh what a day-ay...
For starters, Happy Birthday to Kristian Wagner and Christian Ahrens!!!! Hope you both have a great year!
A big shout out to Meg for "having my back." Thank you ;-)
In the news: One article claims the 5-second rule still applies, but snopes.com disagrees. I heard on the radio in Atlanta Friday about an elementary school study that claimed potato skins were still good for 5 seconds if dropped on the floor, but any longer than that, bacteria grew. I have also heard from medical profesionals that exposure to some germs helps prevent asthma. You decide. For the record, for me, it depends on the food and the flooor. At Outward Bound, we used dirt to clean our utensils, but I certainly am not eating oatmeal off of the bathroom foloor!
In Harry News:
Harry knows at least 3 colors: Elmo is red, Big Bird is yellow, Oscar is green. Example: what color is the shirt? "Oskar!" Okay, I exaggerate. But he has bath tub paints and instead of asking for a color he asks for characters. Sort of like asking for "red" Kool-Aid or Jell-O, I suppose.
He also sits in his lion chair and draws pictures on his "No(te)-book."
We relate a lot of things to the shows Harry likes, and it seems to work very well. Today we were at the Natural History Museum. Harry recognized a lot of animals from Go, Diego, Go! The museum was a great place for him to demonstrate the things he has learned. He seemed a lot more interested un the animals than he was the last time we were at the zoo. He can also say a lot more words. Even "Elephant."
Harry especially enjoyed the Discovery Center at the museum. He got to look through a magnifying glass, carry around binoculars, try on clogs and beat a drum from Kenya. I just can't believe we waited until it was almost warm out to go there!
Harry also made it through gym class again without any head butts! He did a few log rolls across he mats, and hung from the bars a bit. He ran and ran. He and AJ seemed to play follow the leader. He hid in the donut mat with Alanna and giggled a lot. Miss Tess even commented the giggles were contagious.
The boy is still living on uncrustables, but I have a plan to freeze some of our own, and stuff them with shredded carrots! He did eat some yogurt for dinner, but not all of it. Rather than waste it, we finger painted. He had a blast. Needless to say, bathtime came early! Bedtime arrived at 7:30. Harry was sleepy even though for the first time possibly ever he had a 2 hour nap today! He's in there now, Snoedel in 1 arm, Baby Ernie in the other, flannel "blankie" over them all.
For starters, Happy Birthday to Kristian Wagner and Christian Ahrens!!!! Hope you both have a great year!
A big shout out to Meg for "having my back." Thank you ;-)
In the news: One article claims the 5-second rule still applies, but snopes.com disagrees. I heard on the radio in Atlanta Friday about an elementary school study that claimed potato skins were still good for 5 seconds if dropped on the floor, but any longer than that, bacteria grew. I have also heard from medical profesionals that exposure to some germs helps prevent asthma. You decide. For the record, for me, it depends on the food and the flooor. At Outward Bound, we used dirt to clean our utensils, but I certainly am not eating oatmeal off of the bathroom foloor!
In Harry News:
Harry knows at least 3 colors: Elmo is red, Big Bird is yellow, Oscar is green. Example: what color is the shirt? "Oskar!" Okay, I exaggerate. But he has bath tub paints and instead of asking for a color he asks for characters. Sort of like asking for "red" Kool-Aid or Jell-O, I suppose.
A fun thing I like to do with Harry is quiz him on the Blue's Clue's song.
K: "To Play Blue's Clue's we have to find, a"
H:"Paw Print."
K: "And that's our first?"
H: "Clue."
Etc.
He also sits in his lion chair and draws pictures on his "No(te)-book."
We relate a lot of things to the shows Harry likes, and it seems to work very well. Today we were at the Natural History Museum. Harry recognized a lot of animals from Go, Diego, Go! The museum was a great place for him to demonstrate the things he has learned. He seemed a lot more interested un the animals than he was the last time we were at the zoo. He can also say a lot more words. Even "Elephant."
Harry especially enjoyed the Discovery Center at the museum. He got to look through a magnifying glass, carry around binoculars, try on clogs and beat a drum from Kenya. I just can't believe we waited until it was almost warm out to go there!
Harry also made it through gym class again without any head butts! He did a few log rolls across he mats, and hung from the bars a bit. He ran and ran. He and AJ seemed to play follow the leader. He hid in the donut mat with Alanna and giggled a lot. Miss Tess even commented the giggles were contagious.
The boy is still living on uncrustables, but I have a plan to freeze some of our own, and stuff them with shredded carrots! He did eat some yogurt for dinner, but not all of it. Rather than waste it, we finger painted. He had a blast. Needless to say, bathtime came early! Bedtime arrived at 7:30. Harry was sleepy even though for the first time possibly ever he had a 2 hour nap today! He's in there now, Snoedel in 1 arm, Baby Ernie in the other, flannel "blankie" over them all.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Just To Clarify
For every "stay at home mom" that I absolutely adore, there are always 10 more just around the corner making condeming statements about those who "have other people raise their kids".
I honestly do try to take the high road and be confident about my own choices (which I feel are absolutely right!) but it is safe to say a lot of these feelings of resentment show through.
I do not resent that others stay home and I have to work. I choose to work because I believe it is in the best interest for my entire family (except maybe Bailey who would choose otherwise).
Unlike the comments I get from other moms, my favorite being the wide eyed "who takes care of Harry?" I don't make the same comments to them about where their kids happen to be at a given point. Instead, I dig my nails in to my hands at Target when I am surrounded by screaming toddlers or moms "moo-ing" and "neigh-ing" to keep the others quiet. Or I vent here.
The purpose of this blog is (at least) two-fold. It is so friends and family who live far away will get to experience what Harry is up to. It will also be a memoir for Harry to read about his childhood and the choices we have made as his parents. Not everyone will agree with what we write, and just because it is written doesn't mean we fully practice what we write 24 hours a day.
I field at least a dozen emails a day with rude jokes, religious prayers, political attacks and others that I just don't like. This is material that is sent to me. Most of it I ignore. In only a few instances to I take personal offense.
What you are reading is basically an on-line diary. You can't be mad at what someone writes in a diary...but you can bring up key points for discussion. I would be happy to field any questions. I am not as closed minded as my words may lead you to believe! Words are black and white. They are sharp. It is hard to keep them gray and blurry.
For every "stay at home mom" that I absolutely adore, there are always 10 more just around the corner making condeming statements about those who "have other people raise their kids".
I honestly do try to take the high road and be confident about my own choices (which I feel are absolutely right!) but it is safe to say a lot of these feelings of resentment show through.
I do not resent that others stay home and I have to work. I choose to work because I believe it is in the best interest for my entire family (except maybe Bailey who would choose otherwise).
Unlike the comments I get from other moms, my favorite being the wide eyed "who takes care of Harry?" I don't make the same comments to them about where their kids happen to be at a given point. Instead, I dig my nails in to my hands at Target when I am surrounded by screaming toddlers or moms "moo-ing" and "neigh-ing" to keep the others quiet. Or I vent here.
The purpose of this blog is (at least) two-fold. It is so friends and family who live far away will get to experience what Harry is up to. It will also be a memoir for Harry to read about his childhood and the choices we have made as his parents. Not everyone will agree with what we write, and just because it is written doesn't mean we fully practice what we write 24 hours a day.
I field at least a dozen emails a day with rude jokes, religious prayers, political attacks and others that I just don't like. This is material that is sent to me. Most of it I ignore. In only a few instances to I take personal offense.
What you are reading is basically an on-line diary. You can't be mad at what someone writes in a diary...but you can bring up key points for discussion. I would be happy to field any questions. I am not as closed minded as my words may lead you to believe! Words are black and white. They are sharp. It is hard to keep them gray and blurry.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Shades of Gray, Reprise
Gray symbolizes: Sorrow, security, maturity, neutrality
Gray is the color of sorrow. People who favor gray can be the lone wolf type or narrow-minded. Gray with more silver in it can be a very active color.
Native Americans associate gray with friendship. Gray is the symbol for security, maturity and dependability. It connotes responsibility and conservative practicality.
Gray Energy
Gray is the true neutral color. Its energy imparts void, emptiness, lack of movement, emotion, warmth and identifying characteristics. Because of this, gray can be restful. It has a detached and isolated feeling. Gray can have a cooling effect when placed next to other more vibrant colors. It has a stabilizing effect, making vibrant colors stand out while muting their vibration.
Both Sides Now
Joni Mitchell has always been a little bit too Bell Jar for me, but the great Neil Diamond does a wonderfully less melancholy version of Both Sides. It is much more I am, I said and much less "life is so hard." I supposed my shades of gray were just a phase, and I found proof in the music.
When you have seen clouds from both sides, how do you choose which one is right? It is wonderful to imagine ice cream castles, but if you are headed to the beach, you want to see the sun. There is beauty in a untamed horse but for some reason people want them tamed. Or at least, they want to be the one to tame them. And it is wonderful to be a child who believes in fairies and all things sweet, but to a great extent most people cannot build a life on that. It is a fine line between protecting innocence and preparing for the future.
Don't get me wrong, I still don't think parenthood is that hard. Babyhood, yes. Parenthood, no. Maybe it is because I have a fabulous co-parent and a family friendly job. Or years of preparation. I just don't think every child grows up to need a shrink. Maybe cause I've been the shrink. Maybe I am not hugely sympathetic to the woes of the people because I know there are many who are much worse off. MUCH! But I am just babbling. Most ofthis blog is babble. Just an excuse to express that I really like Neil Diamond's version of Both Sides.
Anyway, while touring the mountains of Georgia, I got to thinking of the value of music. It can teach us our ABC's, it can teach us to sing, it can teach us our heads & shoudlers and knees and toes and it can remind us to breath. It can develop our minds and it can soothe our souls.
In one of my graduate classes we had to select 3 songs that we found to be therapeutic. One of mine was Everybody's Got a Mountain to Climb. It was appropriate for my life at the time, when I was working to both climb mountains physical and metaphorical. Music can tell us we're not alone. It can make us feel better. It can remind us we are part of a bigger picture.
So, I say, Turn It Up!
And by the way, am I the only one who didn't know Long May You Run was about a car?
Gray symbolizes: Sorrow, security, maturity, neutrality
Gray is the color of sorrow. People who favor gray can be the lone wolf type or narrow-minded. Gray with more silver in it can be a very active color.
Native Americans associate gray with friendship. Gray is the symbol for security, maturity and dependability. It connotes responsibility and conservative practicality.
Gray Energy
Gray is the true neutral color. Its energy imparts void, emptiness, lack of movement, emotion, warmth and identifying characteristics. Because of this, gray can be restful. It has a detached and isolated feeling. Gray can have a cooling effect when placed next to other more vibrant colors. It has a stabilizing effect, making vibrant colors stand out while muting their vibration.
Both Sides Now
Joni Mitchell has always been a little bit too Bell Jar for me, but the great Neil Diamond does a wonderfully less melancholy version of Both Sides. It is much more I am, I said and much less "life is so hard." I supposed my shades of gray were just a phase, and I found proof in the music.
Well something’s lost, but something’s gainedIn living ev’ry day
When you have seen clouds from both sides, how do you choose which one is right? It is wonderful to imagine ice cream castles, but if you are headed to the beach, you want to see the sun. There is beauty in a untamed horse but for some reason people want them tamed. Or at least, they want to be the one to tame them. And it is wonderful to be a child who believes in fairies and all things sweet, but to a great extent most people cannot build a life on that. It is a fine line between protecting innocence and preparing for the future.
Don't get me wrong, I still don't think parenthood is that hard. Babyhood, yes. Parenthood, no. Maybe it is because I have a fabulous co-parent and a family friendly job. Or years of preparation. I just don't think every child grows up to need a shrink. Maybe cause I've been the shrink. Maybe I am not hugely sympathetic to the woes of the people because I know there are many who are much worse off. MUCH! But I am just babbling. Most ofthis blog is babble. Just an excuse to express that I really like Neil Diamond's version of Both Sides.
Anyway, while touring the mountains of Georgia, I got to thinking of the value of music. It can teach us our ABC's, it can teach us to sing, it can teach us our heads & shoudlers and knees and toes and it can remind us to breath. It can develop our minds and it can soothe our souls.
In one of my graduate classes we had to select 3 songs that we found to be therapeutic. One of mine was Everybody's Got a Mountain to Climb. It was appropriate for my life at the time, when I was working to both climb mountains physical and metaphorical. Music can tell us we're not alone. It can make us feel better. It can remind us we are part of a bigger picture.
So, I say, Turn It Up!
And by the way, am I the only one who didn't know Long May You Run was about a car?
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Love the new pictures of my happy little boy! :-)
Can you tell I am traveling? Kevin was bored.
Love the shot of cousin Willie, too.
In the news:
http://www.slate.com/id/2138176/nav/tap1/?GT1=7932
An Unfinished Life is NOT a movie about gay cowboys.
Happy belated birthday D'Lynn!
Can you tell I am traveling? Kevin was bored.
Love the shot of cousin Willie, too.
In the news:
http://www.slate.com/id/2138176/nav/tap1/?GT1=7932
An Unfinished Life is NOT a movie about gay cowboys.
Happy belated birthday D'Lynn!
Monday, March 20, 2006
For some reason, I feel the need to point out once again, that Kim is obviously at home on the pulse of the nation...
War! Across the blogosphere and in every Barnes and Noble, Mommy Armies are blazing away at each other, vying for parenting supremacy in a bloody conflict with no end in sight. Cities burn, the screams of the dying permeate the air, vast armadas unleash electric death upon each other. Evil is everywhere. There are heroes on both sides.
-- Dadcentric.com
Sunday, March 19, 2006
filtuyfhj that!
I was all set to blog about my substitute pilates teacher with her giant ass and gobs of cellulite, and how I worked at a Pilates studio and what she did was not Pilates, blah, blah, blah. Who cares. Know what's better? I found Harry in his room today. He'd put his train set together. All by himself! How awesome is this kid? He's like, 1! And he put together train tracks! Also, he took the lids off of his play-doh jars. By himself! He's like, Hercules! Oh, and yesterday, I cannot tell you how many requests of "More!" we got when we sang "ABCs". Today he turned down a cannoli in favor of oatmeal. He doesn't even have any vices! Harry is the greatest little kid. The greatest ever!
I was all set to blog about my substitute pilates teacher with her giant ass and gobs of cellulite, and how I worked at a Pilates studio and what she did was not Pilates, blah, blah, blah. Who cares. Know what's better? I found Harry in his room today. He'd put his train set together. All by himself! How awesome is this kid? He's like, 1! And he put together train tracks! Also, he took the lids off of his play-doh jars. By himself! He's like, Hercules! Oh, and yesterday, I cannot tell you how many requests of "More!" we got when we sang "ABCs". Today he turned down a cannoli in favor of oatmeal. He doesn't even have any vices! Harry is the greatest little kid. The greatest ever!
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Not just cars.
Upkeep increases as you age. My new passion is facials. I LOVE them!!! It's a better addiction than pizza, that's for sure!
How did you celebrate Green Day? Too lazy to plan the proper meal, we ordered pizza and shared a Black & Tan. But we wore green and are going to listen to some tunes today at Jammin' Java with Lan(ce).
I am also happy to announce that Harry made it the through an entire gymnastics class today, even with Bella stalking him. It is possible she may feel bad that Harry always seems sad around her. It could be all of the head butts she dishes. Girls, get a clue. Guys run because you are crazy, not cause they secretly love you. Anyway, there was no running nor were tears involved later in class when Harry was lounging happily on the balance beam between Alanna and Brianna. What's in a name? You have to meet Alanna! Needless to say, these ladies kept Harry in class today.
Upkeep increases as you age. My new passion is facials. I LOVE them!!! It's a better addiction than pizza, that's for sure!
How did you celebrate Green Day? Too lazy to plan the proper meal, we ordered pizza and shared a Black & Tan. But we wore green and are going to listen to some tunes today at Jammin' Java with Lan(ce).
I am also happy to announce that Harry made it the through an entire gymnastics class today, even with Bella stalking him. It is possible she may feel bad that Harry always seems sad around her. It could be all of the head butts she dishes. Girls, get a clue. Guys run because you are crazy, not cause they secretly love you. Anyway, there was no running nor were tears involved later in class when Harry was lounging happily on the balance beam between Alanna and Brianna. What's in a name? You have to meet Alanna! Needless to say, these ladies kept Harry in class today.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Too Funny!
Kevin has been saying for many, many days now that the heroine in Julia Louis-Dreyfuss’s new sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine seems to closely resemble moi. Based on the previews, I wasn't seeing it.
Kevin has been saying for many, many days now that the heroine in Julia Louis-Dreyfuss’s new sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine seems to closely resemble moi. Based on the previews, I wasn't seeing it.
Last night Kevin called me at the Hilton to say he’d Tivo’d it and he was wrong: it was exactly my life. He’d turned up the volume so I could hear. He was right. Christine has stolen the dialogue of my life. It is quite comforting, really.
1. “Yeah, it’s me.” In the opening scene Christine can’t sleep so she picks up her cell…and calls herself. With a to do list. She is both polite and sarcastic to herself. I cannot tell you how many times each week I do this.
2. Christine has an adorably precocious child with good hair who eats cereal. Harry also eats cereal and has great hair.
3. Why do single women on television always have to live with another adult? Some might argue it is purely for the comedic value, for the foil. I would suggest it is because Christine cannot be the only adult in the house because the monsters would get her.
4. They eat pizza.
5. She corrects her own grammar.
6. Her son asks why everyone’s car is so much bigger. Christine responds “Because they don’t believe in themselves.”
7. Rude moms: “Hello, I don’t know you.” Not a question or an introduction. Just a statement. The kind a rude 5 year old might make.
8. One mom refers to her son being ranked in tennis in her opening sentence. When I last attended Studio Body Logic a classmate referred to her 8 year old as “an elite gymnast.” At 8?
9. Moms state “We hear you work?”
10. Christine talks to her child as a person.
11. Christine is upset she didn’t bring a gift like the other moms. I would be equally stressed. The teacher is great though: “The nicer the present, the meaner the child.”
12. Continued rude comments from the other moms so they can try to build their own self-worth by stealing someone else’s.
13. Christine’s ex-husband’s new girlfriend has the same name, Christine. New Christine tells Old Christine that to avoid confusion Old Christine can call new Christine “Chrissy.” Imagine me referring to the new girlfriend as “Kimmy?”
14. And the kicker: she still wears maternity underwear. “They are comfortable.” (But I don't wear them all the time!! Just sometimes. They are comfortable.)
So, there are one or two similarities. This is cool, cause I wasn’t identifying much with Courtney Thorne Smith.
The Latest Trend
Like me, Al and Katie drive mini vans and like them very much. Apparently they are the coolest "new" thing for families. Duh!
While I was looking for a current link, I found this instead:
The Mommy Wars.
Leslie Morgan Steiner also learned from watching other people, is lucky enough to have a "hybrid" job like mine, and felt validated when her education offered her equality among men. She struggles with stay at home moms who "feel sorry for" working women and doesn't understand what they are doing at home.
More related news later on "(my) New Adventures with old Christine."
Like me, Al and Katie drive mini vans and like them very much. Apparently they are the coolest "new" thing for families. Duh!
While I was looking for a current link, I found this instead:
The Mommy Wars.
Leslie Morgan Steiner also learned from watching other people, is lucky enough to have a "hybrid" job like mine, and felt validated when her education offered her equality among men. She struggles with stay at home moms who "feel sorry for" working women and doesn't understand what they are doing at home.
More related news later on "(my) New Adventures with old Christine."
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Shades of Gray
When I was a kid, life was simple. Good was good. Bad was bad. Right was right. Wrong was wrong. You could eat meat and fried things. You could play Cowboys and Indians. You could know everything.
Hmmmm....
No, I certainly didn't know more when I was 5 or 10 or 15, but what I did know, I was certain I was right about. Now, I am almost always certain that I am wrong, and that is probably the only thing I am right about. I no longer believe anyone or anything can ever be right or wrong 100%. There are at least two sides to everything. Nothing is black or white. There is only gray. I have given up on black and white. I do sometimes wonder if something is gray 80% or gray 20%.
It is also possible that I no longer know any answers because my head is loaded full of files that I'd like to delete. Spring Love for instance. Stevie B. 1988. I somehow neglected to remember I knew every word. I don't even want to remember the song exists- yet I know every word! I can even remember dancing to it. Friday night, post Lacrosse game, Franchin's Under 21 Club. Ugh! Change the station.
Wind Beneath My Wings. Is that better or worse? Not only did I have all of the lyrics, I had the whole movie in my head. Beaches, that is. Same time frame, so apparently most of my brain storage got filled up in the late 80s. But as I drove up the New Jersey Turnpike, continuing my stroll down memory lane and watching Beaches in my head, I got to thinking...maybe the song wasn't about Barbara Hershey's character being Bette Midler's character's hero but the other way around? Maybe it wasn't about Midler envying Hershey's beauty and grace but Hershey envying Midler's courage and charm. Either way, what I found even more intriguing was when Hershey is just curled up in a beach chair dying while Midler bonds with Hershey's daughter. I thought it was a pretty dull part of the movie when I was 15. I thought Hershey's acting left something to be desired. Now I think it was dead on. She wasn't cold and emotionless, she was dealing with huge internal struggles about the end of her own life and the loss of her daughter and perhaps even giving her daughter up to the person who was "the wind beneath her wings" and her conflicts over her daughter being happy and her own jealousy that her daughter might be happier with someone else. Oh, god. Sounds cheesy when I am not alone in my car.
Funny how perspectives change. But it all just demonstrates more that there are multiple sides to every story.
When I was a kid, life was simple. Good was good. Bad was bad. Right was right. Wrong was wrong. You could eat meat and fried things. You could play Cowboys and Indians. You could know everything.
Hmmmm....
No, I certainly didn't know more when I was 5 or 10 or 15, but what I did know, I was certain I was right about. Now, I am almost always certain that I am wrong, and that is probably the only thing I am right about. I no longer believe anyone or anything can ever be right or wrong 100%. There are at least two sides to everything. Nothing is black or white. There is only gray. I have given up on black and white. I do sometimes wonder if something is gray 80% or gray 20%.
It is also possible that I no longer know any answers because my head is loaded full of files that I'd like to delete. Spring Love for instance. Stevie B. 1988. I somehow neglected to remember I knew every word. I don't even want to remember the song exists- yet I know every word! I can even remember dancing to it. Friday night, post Lacrosse game, Franchin's Under 21 Club. Ugh! Change the station.
Wind Beneath My Wings. Is that better or worse? Not only did I have all of the lyrics, I had the whole movie in my head. Beaches, that is. Same time frame, so apparently most of my brain storage got filled up in the late 80s. But as I drove up the New Jersey Turnpike, continuing my stroll down memory lane and watching Beaches in my head, I got to thinking...maybe the song wasn't about Barbara Hershey's character being Bette Midler's character's hero but the other way around? Maybe it wasn't about Midler envying Hershey's beauty and grace but Hershey envying Midler's courage and charm. Either way, what I found even more intriguing was when Hershey is just curled up in a beach chair dying while Midler bonds with Hershey's daughter. I thought it was a pretty dull part of the movie when I was 15. I thought Hershey's acting left something to be desired. Now I think it was dead on. She wasn't cold and emotionless, she was dealing with huge internal struggles about the end of her own life and the loss of her daughter and perhaps even giving her daughter up to the person who was "the wind beneath her wings" and her conflicts over her daughter being happy and her own jealousy that her daughter might be happier with someone else. Oh, god. Sounds cheesy when I am not alone in my car.
Funny how perspectives change. But it all just demonstrates more that there are multiple sides to every story.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Harrison's Dictionary
Tee-ta = Tico
Haiku = Diego
Meemo = soy milk
PopPop = any male over the age of 40
Blue's Clue's/Cous Cous = Blue's Clues
O-meal = Oatmeal
Boo(t)= Boots
On = on or off
Up= up or down
Out= in or out
Hahnd= Hand...1.clean my hand 2. hold my hand
Jackie = Jacket
Blankie = Blacket
Noodle = Snoedel
BeeLee= Bailey
Dora! = Dora!
Hockee= Hockey
Tub= i.e. get in the tub, take a bath
Bye= Bye...formerly "Bye, Bye"
Tee-ta = Tico
Haiku = Diego
Meemo = soy milk
PopPop = any male over the age of 40
Blue's Clue's/Cous Cous = Blue's Clues
O-meal = Oatmeal
Boo(t)= Boots
On = on or off
Up= up or down
Out= in or out
Hahnd= Hand...1.clean my hand 2. hold my hand
Jackie = Jacket
Blankie = Blacket
Noodle = Snoedel
BeeLee= Bailey
Dora! = Dora!
Hockee= Hockey
Tub= i.e. get in the tub, take a bath
Bye= Bye...formerly "Bye, Bye"
Monday, March 13, 2006
The Saddest Thing I Have Ever Seen In My Entire Life.
It happened on Saturday. We warned him it might. Just before we got to the car after a short walk from The Dairy Godmother, Harry dropped his ice cream cone. Now, you may think I am being sarcastic or melodramatic when I say this, but it truly was the saddest thing I have ever seen in my entire life. I have experienced some doozies in my life, and I do not mean to belittle any of them, because they were indeed horrible, but for all of Harry's own life experiences, this was just as bad.
It was an apple cider sorbet on a baby cone. The ice cream cone was not very large, but the scoops were perched precariously atop the wafer. We told Harry it could fall off, and it was melting, and once it broke we would have to say goodbye. I thought we had prepared him. I thought I had prepared myself.
When it fell...pain, devastation, shattered---SHATTERED dreams. Gone were the happy-go-lucky "Yum num num num. Yummy yummy yummy" sounds he made as he completely wrapped himself up in the moment. It was all shattered. He struggled to put the pieces back together but it was too late. There are moments I can compare it to but I don't want to think of them.
Harry cried for about 40 minutes. Uncontrollable sobs. He finally fell asleep in the car.
To experience such extreme sadness, you would think the opposite, the happiness, must have been just as real. Does that make the loss worth it? I found myself telling Harry not to be sad that it was over, but to be happy that the ice cream (or sorbet) existed to begin with. I don't think he understood what I was saying at the time. I imagine he doesn't even expect he will ever experience something so wonderful as that ice cream cone ever again. And perhaps he won't. Perhaps the next one will have just a hint of sadness to it. Or maybe it won't.
It happened on Saturday. We warned him it might. Just before we got to the car after a short walk from The Dairy Godmother, Harry dropped his ice cream cone. Now, you may think I am being sarcastic or melodramatic when I say this, but it truly was the saddest thing I have ever seen in my entire life. I have experienced some doozies in my life, and I do not mean to belittle any of them, because they were indeed horrible, but for all of Harry's own life experiences, this was just as bad.
It was an apple cider sorbet on a baby cone. The ice cream cone was not very large, but the scoops were perched precariously atop the wafer. We told Harry it could fall off, and it was melting, and once it broke we would have to say goodbye. I thought we had prepared him. I thought I had prepared myself.
When it fell...pain, devastation, shattered---SHATTERED dreams. Gone were the happy-go-lucky "Yum num num num. Yummy yummy yummy" sounds he made as he completely wrapped himself up in the moment. It was all shattered. He struggled to put the pieces back together but it was too late. There are moments I can compare it to but I don't want to think of them.
Harry cried for about 40 minutes. Uncontrollable sobs. He finally fell asleep in the car.
To experience such extreme sadness, you would think the opposite, the happiness, must have been just as real. Does that make the loss worth it? I found myself telling Harry not to be sad that it was over, but to be happy that the ice cream (or sorbet) existed to begin with. I don't think he understood what I was saying at the time. I imagine he doesn't even expect he will ever experience something so wonderful as that ice cream cone ever again. And perhaps he won't. Perhaps the next one will have just a hint of sadness to it. Or maybe it won't.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Old MacDonald
Babycenter said it would happen, and Harry is right on schedule, as usual. The boy has ALWAYS talked to himself, but now he also sings. He was going about his business this morning, sitting at his table, waiting for Dora, playing with Snoedel, every now and then singing "Ee-i-ee-i-o." He's too funny.
Harry also had his sleeper half off when I got downstairs this morning. Well, it was un-zippered at least. I suppose that is a good sign it is getting warmer!
Babycenter said it would happen, and Harry is right on schedule, as usual. The boy has ALWAYS talked to himself, but now he also sings. He was going about his business this morning, sitting at his table, waiting for Dora, playing with Snoedel, every now and then singing "Ee-i-ee-i-o." He's too funny.
Harry also had his sleeper half off when I got downstairs this morning. Well, it was un-zippered at least. I suppose that is a good sign it is getting warmer!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Must be the weather
Where to begin...let's talk about the weather. It smells like Spring. There were lots of people out wearing shorts. We have the cutest little woodpecker in the tree outside (no blue suit though).
Bailey is still being reasonably well behaved. We are buds again. Harry, however, seems a little bit off kilter. This happened to both Harry and our little neigbor William last time it snowed. I think changes in the weather throw them off. I picked Harry up early today and we went to the park in Delray. Remind me not to go to the park during working hours. That being said, I guess I can understand why the little boy was freaked out: the park was freaky! There were so many kids, as well as some normal nannies that don't look at you strangely when words come out of your mouth, but most of what I would guess were parents were, um, odd. I think part of the reason was that it was Delray. To think we used to love it there. I've been especially turned off by the Citizens of Delray ever since last fall when I was accused of promoting vandalism when Harry tapped on a newspaper box at St. Elmo's. Not everyone there is a freak. That is by no means true. Many are though. Moving on, the kids were a little weird too. Let's just say it wasn't Harry shouting "Mine!" and pushing past people. It wasn't the kids the nanies were following around either. Harry literally clung to my leg for about 4 minutes before warming up and climbing the stairs to the driving wheel. I think he sensed we were surrounded by liberals. The variety that don't discipline their kids or understand the art of conversation. I mean, what is so weird about "nice day!"? Do I actually have 3 heads? Two faces maybe, but not 3 heads. Eventually Harry made it through the tunnel and down a few slides. Then we walked around the perimeter and found a good stick. Later, some little neighbors dropped off some little plastic chairs that they are now too big for. Kevin doesn't know who is who though so I don't know where the thank yous go. Harry played outside for a while, got in the tub and was in bed with Snoedel, his "Blank-e" and a book by 7:30. We think it may be time to move his bedtime forward. Tomorrow, 7:45. ...okay, I feel a little bit guilty for posting this, but it is true. People who live in certain places can be sterotyped. John Grogan does the same thing when he talks about the people of Boca Raton and he is a nice person. You can obviously be nice and still poke fun at certain people. I choose the touchy-feelies of Delray. I would never talk about the folks in Boca. I love Boca!
Where to begin...let's talk about the weather. It smells like Spring. There were lots of people out wearing shorts. We have the cutest little woodpecker in the tree outside (no blue suit though).
Bailey is still being reasonably well behaved. We are buds again. Harry, however, seems a little bit off kilter. This happened to both Harry and our little neigbor William last time it snowed. I think changes in the weather throw them off. I picked Harry up early today and we went to the park in Delray. Remind me not to go to the park during working hours. That being said, I guess I can understand why the little boy was freaked out: the park was freaky! There were so many kids, as well as some normal nannies that don't look at you strangely when words come out of your mouth, but most of what I would guess were parents were, um, odd. I think part of the reason was that it was Delray. To think we used to love it there. I've been especially turned off by the Citizens of Delray ever since last fall when I was accused of promoting vandalism when Harry tapped on a newspaper box at St. Elmo's. Not everyone there is a freak. That is by no means true. Many are though. Moving on, the kids were a little weird too. Let's just say it wasn't Harry shouting "Mine!" and pushing past people. It wasn't the kids the nanies were following around either. Harry literally clung to my leg for about 4 minutes before warming up and climbing the stairs to the driving wheel. I think he sensed we were surrounded by liberals. The variety that don't discipline their kids or understand the art of conversation. I mean, what is so weird about "nice day!"? Do I actually have 3 heads? Two faces maybe, but not 3 heads. Eventually Harry made it through the tunnel and down a few slides. Then we walked around the perimeter and found a good stick. Later, some little neighbors dropped off some little plastic chairs that they are now too big for. Kevin doesn't know who is who though so I don't know where the thank yous go. Harry played outside for a while, got in the tub and was in bed with Snoedel, his "Blank-e" and a book by 7:30. We think it may be time to move his bedtime forward. Tomorrow, 7:45. ...okay, I feel a little bit guilty for posting this, but it is true. People who live in certain places can be sterotyped. John Grogan does the same thing when he talks about the people of Boca Raton and he is a nice person. You can obviously be nice and still poke fun at certain people. I choose the touchy-feelies of Delray. I would never talk about the folks in Boca. I love Boca!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Things I need to do:
- My monthly budget - before going shopping
- Check out some really cool Dr. Scholl's sandals that I saw on the Today Show.
- Get a new bathing suit for Florida.
Things I need to Tivo:
Sons & Daughters, Tuesday at 9
Things I enjoyed hearing:
Things I realized:
- Boys and girls may play with the same toys, but they do so differently. Harry has Dora's Talking Playhouse. It comes with people and furniture, and a door that opens and closes. The people, for the most part, get tossed aside. It's not that he isn't concerned with their well-being. On the contrary, the door that these people have is slightly off of it's hinges. It's become Harry's job to make sure it functions properly.
- Lauren Bacall is not doing so well...but she is far better than Liz Taylor (see, I'm not always Charlotte!). And when I looked up a sad clip I found a link instead, which reminded me that while she may have sadly stumbled through her text, and she shows signs of aging, she is nonetheless, fabulous!
- Bailey's behavior is much better when I lower my expectations.
Things I love:
- Hardcover books from Shutterfly
- Kris requesting artwork from the master
- St. John's Wort
- Warm weather
- Meg gets to go to China
Things that aren't all that:
- Happy Hours
- The Oscars - they were cool when I was 9. (Except for the "In Memoriam" montage. That is more meaningful).
Things we did this weekend:
- Cleaned the basement during Harry's Sunday nap
- Located my Pilates mat, our balance balls, and Harry's abacus.
- Raised $45 from our friends at our Mardi Gras brunch to send to New Orleans
Things Harry can do:
- Say "knock knock" from the other side of the door and wait for your response.
- Let Bailey in and out as needed.
- Sing "Ee-i-ee-i-o."
- Serious artwork.
- Announce "Ta-daah!" at the completion of any big task
Things Harry did this weekend:
- Practiced his jumping
- Requested his "hat" (helmet) when he got on his bike.
- Ate giant pancakes from Austin Grille
- Got Kevin a big blanket when Kevin was pretending to nap on the floor.
- Went to bed with a book and fell asleep with it on his chest.
- Closed the door and played quietly in his playroom with Lance for many minutes.
- Hung out with his best bud Dan.
- Was very concerned about Bailey at the dog park (she was off leash).
- Got head butted by a tall girl at the gym and was very upset.
- Giggled like a mad man in the car on Sunday - or like an awesome little boy!
Things Bailey did this weekend:
- Went to the Shirlington Dog Park for her birthday.
- Came when Harry yelled "Bailey."
Things I miss:
- London
- Size 2
- The beach
Friday, March 03, 2006
Out of the Loop
Kevin looked at me as though I was out of the loop, and Harry responded with a "wow." as in "yeah, mom, this is really cool (eyebrows raised, fake smile on his face). I've only been doing it since I was 1!"
Nonetheless, I was very impressed yesterday with at least two separate issues. Before bed, Harry and Kevin were building block towers. Harry was trying to help with Kevin's, but I don't think Kevin is ready for that developmentally. He is still into "side by side" play. So, Harry began his own tower. This is his combination: a large red block on the floor, two half sized blue blocks laid out perfectly on top, one small green column on top of each of the blue blocks, one yellow column on top of each of the green blocks. WOW! Two perfectly balanced patterns of blocks! How cool is that!?
The other thing that wow'd me was that before Harry went down the sliding board at the park, he stopped to kiss me. Kevin says "we do that all the time." Right. They went to the park Wednesday. Prior to Wednesday, I was unaware of this. AND HARRY AND I GO TO THE PARK NEARLY EVERY DAY!!!
But, anyway, speaking of loops, I bought Harry two hoola hoops so he can practice his jumping. He loves them. We put them on teh floor and jump in and out (or try to). SNoedel even gets a shot at it. Harry has found many other uses for hoola hoops as well. Who knew two giant plastic circles could be so much fun? His indoor activity level has increased and he has hardly watched any TV!
Kevin looked at me as though I was out of the loop, and Harry responded with a "wow." as in "yeah, mom, this is really cool (eyebrows raised, fake smile on his face). I've only been doing it since I was 1!"
Nonetheless, I was very impressed yesterday with at least two separate issues. Before bed, Harry and Kevin were building block towers. Harry was trying to help with Kevin's, but I don't think Kevin is ready for that developmentally. He is still into "side by side" play. So, Harry began his own tower. This is his combination: a large red block on the floor, two half sized blue blocks laid out perfectly on top, one small green column on top of each of the blue blocks, one yellow column on top of each of the green blocks. WOW! Two perfectly balanced patterns of blocks! How cool is that!?
The other thing that wow'd me was that before Harry went down the sliding board at the park, he stopped to kiss me. Kevin says "we do that all the time." Right. They went to the park Wednesday. Prior to Wednesday, I was unaware of this. AND HARRY AND I GO TO THE PARK NEARLY EVERY DAY!!!
But, anyway, speaking of loops, I bought Harry two hoola hoops so he can practice his jumping. He loves them. We put them on teh floor and jump in and out (or try to). SNoedel even gets a shot at it. Harry has found many other uses for hoola hoops as well. Who knew two giant plastic circles could be so much fun? His indoor activity level has increased and he has hardly watched any TV!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
This Week's Sesame Street...
Here are the updates on Harry's life this week:
"Me do it!" is a frequent refrain among 22-month-olds. As your toddler becomes more self-aware, he'll likely want to do more things for himself. Setting limits is important, of course, but you can let your toddler take the lead sometimes, like choosing which clothes to wear (even if it means he leaves the house in mismatched colors), Harry often leaves the house in his pajama top...but under a regular shirt. It can be cold in the morning! His pajama top is warm and cozy. I see no problem here. wetting the toothbrush, Whenever we are in the bathroom Harry comes in and says "Teeeth?" and gets his toothbrush to brush his teeth. He does a fairly good job! or turning the bathroom light on or off. By encouraging his independence now, your toddler will grow into a confident preschooler down the road.
New this month: Issuing orders
Now that your toddler can communicate using both words and gestures, you can expect him to become quite bossy. Mostly he's experimenting with how his ability to communicate affects the people around him. For instance, he might yell "Stop!" when you start singing his favorite song. I am starting to take offense over this one! It's not that he really wants you to stop singing. He's more interested in seeing how you respond to his order. Oh. Intra-sting. If he demands "Help me!" when he's playing with a toy, you're witnessing a huge developmental leap. Rather than throwing a toy he can't operate, he can now ask you to help him figure it out."He(l)p." "Look!" is another frequent command. Usually this request signifies a need for your approval. "Dadee! Dadee! DADEE!!!" Harry yelled last night, as I tossed buckets of water at his head. No, he was not in distress. He thought it was the greatest and he wanted to show Kevin. Hmmmm...maybe he is destined to be a goalie! He may want you to compliment one of his scribbles, block towers, or simply acknowledge that he put on his socks. Praising his specific achievements will give him the confidence to keep trying new things on his own.
What you can do
Use your toddler's bossy behavior as a springboard to teaching "please" and "thank-you." For example, when he says "Help," teach him to say "Help, please!" We're on it! You can also use his demands to get a conversation going. When he says "Stop," ask him to explain why he wants you to stop doing whatever you're doing. Although your toddler probably doesn't have the vocabulary to give you a real explanation, you may be surprised at how well he expresses himself.
Other developments: Expressing love and cooperating ... maybe
Your toddler may delight you and a few other special people in his life by showering you with affection. He will freely hug and kiss you, and (usually) come to you when called. He doesn't totally understand what it means to cooperate, but he recognizes that it makes you happy when he does. He may even be willing to help with some chores, such as putting away books and toys when you suggest it. Harry is a good egg.
Other children go through a standoffish phase around this age. If yours isn't particularly loving or cooperative, be patient. Keep in mind that this can be a confusing time for toddlers. They have many feelings but they can't always express them with words.
If your toddler has begun to reject your hugs and kisses or has become uncooperative, give some thought to what could be causing him to act this way. Is there a new baby at home? Have you been working late or traveling? Your toddler may be overwhelmed by his feelings but unable to tell you. Try asking him questions about how he's feeling ("Are you angry with Mommy about something? Are you upset with me because I worked late? Would you like to spend more time with me?"), even if his answers hurt you. Understand that he's trying to make sense of his emotions.
For boys: Can your toddler jump?
We have been actively working on this, and Harry can now jump! He still needs some practice, but he is doing a great job! His favorite part seems to be clapping afterwards. We can even get him to raise his arms in the air, as though he has really stuck his landing.
I remember back when we taught Bailey to jump. We used to make her jump before she went outside or came inside. It was great training for when she wanted to grab a loaf of bread off of the table! Maybe Harry will use his powers for good!
Yes, he can get both feet off the ground at once.
55%
Almost -- he tries, but both feet don?t quite make it off the ground at once.
34%
Not yet.
10%
So that's that!
Here are the updates on Harry's life this week:
"Me do it!" is a frequent refrain among 22-month-olds. As your toddler becomes more self-aware, he'll likely want to do more things for himself. Setting limits is important, of course, but you can let your toddler take the lead sometimes, like choosing which clothes to wear (even if it means he leaves the house in mismatched colors), Harry often leaves the house in his pajama top...but under a regular shirt. It can be cold in the morning! His pajama top is warm and cozy. I see no problem here. wetting the toothbrush, Whenever we are in the bathroom Harry comes in and says "Teeeth?" and gets his toothbrush to brush his teeth. He does a fairly good job! or turning the bathroom light on or off. By encouraging his independence now, your toddler will grow into a confident preschooler down the road.
New this month: Issuing orders
Now that your toddler can communicate using both words and gestures, you can expect him to become quite bossy. Mostly he's experimenting with how his ability to communicate affects the people around him. For instance, he might yell "Stop!" when you start singing his favorite song. I am starting to take offense over this one! It's not that he really wants you to stop singing. He's more interested in seeing how you respond to his order. Oh. Intra-sting. If he demands "Help me!" when he's playing with a toy, you're witnessing a huge developmental leap. Rather than throwing a toy he can't operate, he can now ask you to help him figure it out."He(l)p." "Look!" is another frequent command. Usually this request signifies a need for your approval. "Dadee! Dadee! DADEE!!!" Harry yelled last night, as I tossed buckets of water at his head. No, he was not in distress. He thought it was the greatest and he wanted to show Kevin. Hmmmm...maybe he is destined to be a goalie! He may want you to compliment one of his scribbles, block towers, or simply acknowledge that he put on his socks. Praising his specific achievements will give him the confidence to keep trying new things on his own.
What you can do
Use your toddler's bossy behavior as a springboard to teaching "please" and "thank-you." For example, when he says "Help," teach him to say "Help, please!" We're on it! You can also use his demands to get a conversation going. When he says "Stop," ask him to explain why he wants you to stop doing whatever you're doing. Although your toddler probably doesn't have the vocabulary to give you a real explanation, you may be surprised at how well he expresses himself.
Other developments: Expressing love and cooperating ... maybe
Your toddler may delight you and a few other special people in his life by showering you with affection. He will freely hug and kiss you, and (usually) come to you when called. He doesn't totally understand what it means to cooperate, but he recognizes that it makes you happy when he does. He may even be willing to help with some chores, such as putting away books and toys when you suggest it. Harry is a good egg.
Other children go through a standoffish phase around this age. If yours isn't particularly loving or cooperative, be patient. Keep in mind that this can be a confusing time for toddlers. They have many feelings but they can't always express them with words.
If your toddler has begun to reject your hugs and kisses or has become uncooperative, give some thought to what could be causing him to act this way. Is there a new baby at home? Have you been working late or traveling? Your toddler may be overwhelmed by his feelings but unable to tell you. Try asking him questions about how he's feeling ("Are you angry with Mommy about something? Are you upset with me because I worked late? Would you like to spend more time with me?"), even if his answers hurt you. Understand that he's trying to make sense of his emotions.
For boys: Can your toddler jump?
We have been actively working on this, and Harry can now jump! He still needs some practice, but he is doing a great job! His favorite part seems to be clapping afterwards. We can even get him to raise his arms in the air, as though he has really stuck his landing.
I remember back when we taught Bailey to jump. We used to make her jump before she went outside or came inside. It was great training for when she wanted to grab a loaf of bread off of the table! Maybe Harry will use his powers for good!
Yes, he can get both feet off the ground at once.
55%
Almost -- he tries, but both feet don?t quite make it off the ground at once.
34%
Not yet.
10%
So that's that!
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